Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device

Abstract

A squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device is described. The bird feeder includes a vertically disposed inner housing member which is positioned within a vertically disposed outer housing member with each of the housing members including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments. The spacing of the housing segments divide feed openings therebetween. A combination feed level control and feed port device is positioned between each of the housing segments of the inner housing member so that feed ports are provided therebetween. The outer housing member has a plurality of feed openings formed therein which register with the feed ports of the combination devices when the outer housing member is in its first position. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member do not register with the feed ports of the combination devices. A spring interconnects the inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain the outer housing member in its first position. The combination feed level control and feed ports not only function as a feed level control mechanism but also provide feed ports at the lower end thereof.

1. A squirrel-proof bird feeder, comprising:
 a vertically disposed inner housing member, having upper and lower ends, a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments having upper and lower ends; 
 the spacing of said housing segments defining feed openings therebetween; 
 said housing segments of said inner housing member being comprised of a metal material having openings formed therein which are sized so as to maintain feed therein; 
 a combination feed level control and feed port device positioned in each of said feed openings in said inner housing member which maintains a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main supply of feed has dropped below the combination feed level control and feed port device and which provides a feed port in the associated feed opening; 
 a vertically disposed outer housing member, having upper and lower ends, including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments; 
 the spacing of said housing segments defining feed openings therebetween; 
 said housing segments of said outer housing member being comprised of a metal material having openings formed therein; 
 said outer housing member including a support which is secured to a the lowermost housing segment of said outer housing member and which is spaced below the lower end of the lowermost housing segment thereof to define a feed opening therebetween; 
 said inner housing member having a feed port secured to a the lower end of a the lowermost housing segment thereof; 
 said inner housing member being positioned in said outer housing member; 
 said outer housing member being vertically movable between first and second positions with respect to said inner housing member; 
 said feed ports of said combination feed level control and feed port devices of said inner housing member registering with said feed openings between said housing segments of said outer housing member when said outer housing member is in its said first position; 
 said feed port at said lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said inner housing member registering with said feed opening below the lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said outer housing member when said outer housing member is in its said first position; 
 said feed openings between said housing segments of said outer housing member being positioned below said feed ports of said feed level control and feed port devices when said outer housing member is in its said second position; 
 said feed openings below the lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said outer housing member being positioned below said feed port at said lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said inner housing member when said outer housing member is in its said second position; 
 and a spring means interconnecting said inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain said outer housing member in its said first position but will permit said outer housing member to move to its said second position if a squirrel should move onto said outer housing member. 
 
     
     
       2. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said spring means interconnects said feed port at said lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said inner housing member to the lower end of said outer housing member. 
     
     
       3. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  further including perches at said feed openings of said outer housing member. 
     
     
       4. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said housing segments of said inner and outer housing members comprise a mesh material. 
     
     
       5. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said housing segments of said inner and outer housing members comprise a perforated material. 
     
     
       6. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said housing segments of said inner and outer housing members comprise a woven wire material. 
     
     
       7. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said feed port below the lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said inner housing member includes a vertically disposed tube having a closed upper end and an open lower end; said spring means being positioned in said tube with an upper end thereof being secured to said tube and a lower end thereof being secured to said lower end of said outer housing member. 
     
     
       8. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein each of said combination feed level control and feed port includes a feed trough positioned adjacent the associate feed opening and wherein said feed port below the lower end of the lowermost housing segment of said inner housing which registers with said feed opening at the lower end of said outer housing member when said outer housing member is in its said first position. 
     
     
       9. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said feed level control and feed port devices are comprised of a metal material and wherein said feed port at the lower end of said inner housing member is comprised of a metal material. 
     
     
       10. The squirrel-proof bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said outer and inner housing members are cylindrical in configuration.